Government Accountability in Focus as Civil Society Coalition Launches Extractive Sector Report

Story by Fada Amakye

A civil society coalition, led by the National Resources Governance Institute (NRGI), has launched a report assessing the government’s performance in the extractive sector, covering oil, gas, and mining. The report evaluates the government’s progress in meeting its commitments and promises made in the sector, providing a nuanced analysis of the challenges and opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Patrick Kwabena Stephenson, Country Manager at NRGI, emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency in the extractive sector. He noted that the report is not about assigning blame but rather about holding the government to its commitments and ensuring that the sector benefits the Ghanaian people.

The report assesses the government’s performance over its four-year term, broken down into annual assessments. Stephenson urged the media to focus on the details of the report, rather than just looking at percentages or benchmarks. He highlighted the extensive consultation process undertaken by the coalition, involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

The launch of the report is part of efforts to strengthen the social contract between the government and citizens, ensuring that the extractive sector contributes to Ghana’s development and benefits its people. The coalition hopes that the report will spark a national conversation on the future of the extractive sector and the need for greater transparency and accountability.

The report’s findings will be presented, and stakeholders will have the opportunity to engage with the coalition and provide feedback.

The NRGI and its partners are committed to using the report’s recommendations to advocate for policy changes and reforms that will ensure the extractive sector benefits Ghana and its people.